Inspiration

It seems inspiration is everywhere. Today while I was working on my toilet monster story, I looked out the window at a little squirrel scattering about on my neighbor's roof. Squirrels are funny little creatures, and this one was no exception. It looked nice and healthy; ready for a long winter. I wondered if it was the same squirrel who raided my sunflowers upside down a month ago, then I remembered a story idea I had written down involving a squirrel. Watching the squirrel spurred some thoughts about the possible characteristics of the squirrel in my story idea.

Having my own children spurs ideas as well. Oh the things they do! What better way to get into the child's point of view than a 12 hour day, 365 days a year observation? Though, I'm not always looking for a story.

I was on a bike ride with my son yesterday, and he wondered aloud why the lines coming down from the telephone pole to the ground were shaped the way they were. He noticed they weren't going at their normal angle to make a triangle between the pole, line and ground. At first I was surprised he even noticed something like that. I hadn't even noticed it was there, really, so I looked, and I saw from his perspective and asked in my own head why. The wires had been pushed out so it looked more like half of a house drawn by a child. It only took a fraction of a second in my adult mind to figure out why, but it was asking that I found significant. "Oh," he said, "It's so people can go under it on the sidewalk." And off he rode.

I suppose what I'm getting at is, if you need an idea, or if you have writer's block, open your eyes. Look outside yourself. Look from a different perspective. I'm beginning to find that there's plenty of ideas out there, you just have to be paying attention in order to catch on to it. Sometimes we learn from participation, and sometimes we learn from being quiet. Be an observer. Be quiet for a while and just watch, listen, feel and be inspired.

Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!

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About Me

Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!

Latest Picture Books I've Enjoyed

Traction Man meets Turbo Dog - 2008 Mini Grey - This book grew more and more endearing. Told from the toy's point of view it's a fun adventure in a big world. Imaginative, and the super-hero saves the day!

Tennis Anyone? - 2007 Shane McG, A little boy named Tom gets a tennis racket among his birthday presents and doesn't know what to do with it. It's fun to see his little journey to find joy in sports instead of beeping things. Illustration is awesome. I almost want to call in animation!

Latest Chapter Books I've Enjoyed

Echoes in the Glass - Cheri Lasota, Why stop with one Lasota story? Her second novel did not disappoint! Great story line and character voices. unexpected moments. A great read.

Artemis Rising - Cheri Lasota, Intriguing story and well written, a good read!

Fablehaven Keys to the Demon Prison - Brandon Mull 2010. This book has been amazing. It is the fifth book in the Fablehaven series. Each one has a breathtaking pace, particularly this last installment. I feel like the whole book is the climax! Well paced, engaging story and characters. Another that I didn't want to put down!

The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay - 2008, 2009, 2010 respectively, Suzanne Collins, Couldn't put them down, but don't expect lots of warm fuzzies! Children put in a locked area to kill everyone else is how it begins. How to save their people from a government that would do such a thing is the rest, oh but there's so much more!

Goose Girl - Shannon Hale, Another great book by Shannon Hale. Beautifully written to suck you into their world. A super fun and clean read.

Princess Academy - 2005 Shannon Hale, So well written. I love the characters. Young girls who have to learn to trust each other, be stronger than they thought they were, and become proud of their mountain roots.

The Giver, Gathering Blue, and The Messenger - 1993, 2000, 2004 respectively, Lois Lowry, Fabulous thoughtful trilogy. The Giver won the 1994 Newbery Medal. The books challenge everyday life of their characters and have you question society and how it should operate, while building compassion for each character. The storylines are captivating and thoughtful, spiced with tension.